The city of Kailua is a contraction of the two Hawaiian words "kai" (water) and "elua" (two). It was named this due to two lagoons in the district. Kailua is located in Windward Oahu, over Nu'uanu Pali, the tallest mountain peak in the Ko'olau mountain range. It is believed that people lived here as far back as 1500 years ago. It already had a dense population by the time Captain Cook arrived on the island. In the early 1940s, the city was a small town of only about 3000. Portions of the land belonging to Kaneohe Ranch were sold off to the US government to expand what is now the Hawaii's Marine Corps Base and Fort Hase. In 1942, the ranch completely stopped its raising of cattle, allowing for even more development after World War II. In addition, the ranch's owner donated much of his land for local schools, a brand new hospital and several churches. Today, the town is made up of a dense business district surrounded by residential areas.

The current population of Kailua, as of the 2000 census, is 36,513. There are no resort hotels in Kailua. Many tourists choose to stay at the many bed and breakfasts located in the area that are operated out of private homes on or near the beaches of Kailua and Lanikai. Mount Olomana stands watch over every neighborhood in Kailua. It's three peaks provide a challenge for even the hardiest hiker. There are many small businesses and community organizations that support the wonderful little town of Kailua with its beautiful, protected beaches, Kaiwanui Marsh and Enchanted Lake.

Kailua Beach Park is located on the Windward side of the Kailua Road. It is often rated as one of the best beaches in the world. Generally a safe, sandy beach, parents should not allow little children to play unsupervised in the pond in the middle of the park. There are lifeguards on duty on the beach. You need to be watchful of the portuguese man-of-war (stinging blue jellyfish) and stinging limu (seaweed). Please heed the posted signs. A world-class surfing, wind surfing and kayaking destination, there are plenty of places in town to rent gear and sign up for classes. Amenities for the park include: picnic areas with tables and a pavilion, restrooms, showers, phones and a concession stand.

Lanikai Beach ("heavenly sea") is known for its amazingly clear, turqoise waters as well as two beautiful islands offshore known as the Mokuluas. Lanikai is considered by many locals to be the best swimming beach in Hawaii. It has a mile long stretch of white sand that is perfect for sunbathing. The protective offshore reef and clear waters provide ideal swimming conditions. Many other popular activities at Lanikai Beach include kayaking, outrigger canoeing, sailing, surfing and windsurfing. There are no lifeguards on duty, no restroom/shower facilities and no freshwater. You need to beware of the Portuguese man-of-war (stinging jellyfish) and stinging limu (seaweed), especially during the months of June through September.

The Kawai Nui Marsh is the largest wetlands in the Hawaiian islands. Kawai Nui means "the big water" in Hawaiian. Originally thought to be a large, possibly marine body of water when it was first settled by Polynesians, it is now nearly completely covered with vegetation that is either floating on the water, growing on a peat mat floating on the water or growing in the upper-most parts of the marsh that is utilized by cattle for grazing when it's not flooded. Most of the marsh is behind a levee built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood control, with an outlet through a man-made channel called the Oneawa Channel.

The Marine Corps Base Hawaii provides many services to soldiers and their families in the Kailua area through its Marine Corps Community Servicesprograms. The MCB Hawaii's purpose is to maintain key operations, training and support facilities and also provides services for the readiness of ground combat forces and aviation units. They also make it their responsibility to keep the well-being